Everything You Need To Know About Oral Surgery

Everything You Need To Know About Oral Surgery

October 1, 2021

Ordinary tooth defects and infections can lead to greater dental health problems that cost a lot of time, money, and resources to fix. Tooth decay, for example, starts as dental plaques in all areas of the teeth. The bacteria present in these plaques feed off of the sugary and starchy food particles in your mouth and produce acid. This acid wears down the tooth enamel and the process of decay starts.

The tooth enamel starts to lose its minerals to the bacteria present in dental plaques. This may cause white spots to appear on the teeth while the enamel is broken down further. Small holes known as dental caries and cavities start to form in the teeth. The dentin decays and the tooth pulp is damaged when the cavities eat deep. Abscesses begin to form and pus begins to seep out.

At this stage, the tooth is badly damaged beyond repair and cannot be fixed with ordinary dental procedures. A root canal, procedure, and other complicated dental procedures may need to be carried out to fix the tooth. At this point, oral surgery in Tampa, FL might be the only solution to save the damaged tooth.

Oral surgery is a surgical procedure performed in or around the mouth and jaws by a dental professional trained in the field. A dentist near you might refer you to an oral surgeon in extreme cases. Oral surgeons are highly trained in their field. This is because oral and maxillofacial surgery focuses on reconstructing the face surgically, facial trauma surgery, the oral cavity, head and neck, mouth, and jaws, as well as facial cosmetic surgery.

Types Of Oral Surgery

There are different types of oral surgery procedures available. The most common oral surgery procedures include:

  • Dental implants: Dental implants are surgical fixtures made of titanium placed into the jawbone, above the gums, surgically. This process involves drilling into the jawbone, to place a titanium post to serve as a tooth root replacement. Dental implants require healthy and enough jawbone to be fixed. In case of an inadequate or unhealthy jawbone, a surgical procedure called bone grafting is required to support the existing jawbone.
  • Impacted wisdom tooth: Impacted teeth are teeth that refuse to grow above the gumline for different reasons. A surgical procedure is required to remove an impacted tooth. It involves making an incision into the gum and bringing out the underlying tooth.
  • Facial reconstruction: The jaw and facial bones can be broken as a result of trauma from accidents or injuries. In a dental office in Tampa, a maxillofacial surgeon can perform reconstructive procedures to restore the functions and appearance of the face and jaw after an accident.
  • Cancer treatment: Oral surgeons treat cancers of the mouth, head, neck, salivary glands, sinuses, throat, larynx, and lips. They help to remove tumors also.
  • Root canal treatment(endodontics): An oral surgeon can help to remove an infected tooth pulp and clean the canal of the tooth.

Why Would I Need An Oral Surgery?

Oral surgeries are usually needed for tooth and jaw procedures that are beyond the scope of your dentist in Tampa, FL. For example, extracting impacted teeth, having bone or gum grafts, etc may require you to see an oral surgeon.

How To Prepare For Oral Surgery

You are to follow all instructions given to you by your oral surgeon. Also, refrain from eating or drinking for about eight to ten hours before your surgery. Wear loose clothes and make provisions for transportation back home in case of heavy sedation.

Recovering From An Oral Surgery

For fast recovery after oral surgery, take time to rest well for a few weeks after the procedure. Avoid hard foods, smoking, and drinking for a few weeks after the procedure. Follow all instructions given to you by your oral surgeon. Take all medications as prescribed and avoid physical exerting activities. Recovery from oral surgery might take about 48 hours to one month depending on the procedure.

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